ANUVRAT is the process of internal transformation of soul
- Sadhvi Kanak Shri.
North Howrah (Kolkata), 9th September 2010
The Fifth day of Paryushan Festival organized by North Howrah Shree Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha at Sanyam Samawsaran SAM GARDEN was celebrated as ANUVRAT CHETNA DIWAS.
With reference to Anuvrat Chetna Divas & inspiring to be conscious about consciousness of continence and patience, Sadhvi Shri Kanak shri ji said, “Religion has three dimensions- practice religious rituals, morality and spirituality. In the modern world moral and spiritual values are being sidelined. Not to deceive any one, to work honestly, to work with authenticity, and not to harm any body - is moral religion. The principle of Anuvrat is sanyam (Continence) that is being self-restraint and patient and a life with these principles develops morality and adds values in one’s life. This is life in true sense.
Addressing the religious congregation Sadhvi Shri further said - to attain veetaragta (salvation) there are 5 stages through which one awakens internal consciousness. Lord Mahavira passed through all the five processes and attained purification of soul. ‘Anuvrat Movement’ emphasizes the importance of character building, purification of life, development of willpower & self-realization. It was launched with the object of character building by Ganadhipati Acharya Shree Tulsi, in 1949 A.D. at Sardarshahar (in Rajasthan). Acharya Tulsi had great concern over the moral character building of the people of the nation. The Anuvrat Movement was praised by great persona of the country including the President and The Prime Ministers of India. She told that each individual looks at the mistakes of others and tries to correct the same but he does not check himself and correct own mistakes Acharya Tulsi guided the world with his verse-‘Sudhre vyakti, samaj vyakti se rashtra swayam sudhrega’ meaning that if a person corrects himself, the society will become good and the nation will become better in moral and spiritual values.
Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji, a learned disciple of Acharya Shri Mahshraman ji, With reference to Lord Mahavira’s Divine birth, addressing Trishla, mother of Lord Mahavira as a great mother said - “only a great mother by giving birth to a great personage can take maternity to the heights of greatness. A mother before giving birth to a child possessing great prowess has to endure all the pains and needs to live a devoted patient’s life, practice continence, purify emotions, because a mother not only gives birth to a child but also up bring the child with etiquettes, injects virtues in the child. That is why a mother is also known as a creator of virtues, values, and etiquettes with all round development viz. physical, mental and emotional. The extent to which a mother leads a life of austerity, simplicity and high thinking during such period, the more the child is capable and skilled.”
Addressing the shrawaks and shrawikas on the occasion of Anuvrat Chetna Diwas, Sadhvi Madhulata ji Said-“The Paryushan festival is festival of self restraint and self control. It encourages code of good character. Anuvrat is a code of conduct of non-violence, of non-sectarian religion or universal religion. Anuvrat is a sacred resolve to give up violence and adopt non-violence & the just principle of transforming the individual & society in a good resolve. The Anuvrat is a religion free from sectarianism. It is a project for the spiritual and moral rejuvenation of life, aiming at the total good of a person. It helps transform a man a ‘human’ in real sense. Inculcation of Right Faith, Right Resolve & Right Conduct is the philosophy of the Anuvrat. The removal of discrepancy between precept & practice is its objective. Anuvrat means ‘little vow’ which are for lay people, living family lives. The code of conduct of ANUVRAT is so formed that it is not restricted to a particular community, caste or creed, instead has a universal applicability. For building a healthy and moral society and nation Anuvrat is unputdownable.”
The regular evening Pratikraman was attended by hundreds of lay followers. The Jain Karyavahini members with great enthusiasm participated in the uninterrupted Namokar Mantra chanting in the night.
The Photos:
Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji enlightening the devotees on Anuvrat Chetna Diwas
Shrawikas listening the pravachan
Male devotees listening the discourse
Sadhvi Kanak shriji delivering on the subject 'Vrata (vows) are Safety Cover to the Soul' (vrat hai suraksha kavach)
Sadhvi Kanak shriji delivering on the subject 'vrat hai suraksha kavach'
Lay follower in the evening programme
Jain Karyavahini members in uninterrupted chanting of manokar mantra